Sunday, January 27, 2013

RAWWRRRR!

Back in December, I was at Fabricland fondling a red/orange/purple leopard print sheer, dismissing it as indulgent and impractical for my freezing body temperature. I've sewn with sheers before, and while I love the thought of them, they aren't really practical for my daily life. THEN, Pretty Grievances announced Jungle January, I rationalized that I DID need that sheer fabric, and I would just turn the heater up and wear the shit out of it. I already had McCall's 6512 in my stash just waiting for an excuse to make it up.

Size?
AX5(4-6-8-10-12)
My usual size is a 12, but after looking at the finished measurements on the pattern, I made a muslin up in a 10. It was gynormous. Seriously, you could have fit two of me in there. So I rechecked the finished measurements, compared them to a rtw blouse of a similar shape, traced off a size 8 and did an sba. The adjustment lines they included on the pattern were helpful here, though I only used two of them to decrease the width.

1/2 inch sba:
Red(cutting line), Green (where I horizontally slid it over 1/2 inch), then I redrew the armscythe.

(hem/placket–bottom flipped up)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked the unusual design elements (yoke/sleeve piece) and the construction of front placket (placed on after hemming). The amount of ease made it possible for me to not have to worry about my usual broad upper back adjustment, while the shaped side seams actually give me some waist definition even though it's a billowy style.

Fabric Used:

Polyester georgette

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made a size or two smaller than my measurements suggested, and an easy sba decreasing the width of the front pieces. I would probably shorten the sleeve by about an inch if I ever made this again. They fall in a weird spot that's longer than 3/4, but not full length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will definitely sew the short sleeve version—I don't think my wardrobe needs another tie blouse any time soon. I dress too casually in every day life.

Conclusion:

I'm really REALLY happy that this turned out. I got nervous when my muslin was so big, but I took a chance on the sba and was pleasantly surprised. This colour combo is one of my favourites and I love how it drapes, so I'm happy to wear it as much as I can. I'm also really looking forward to making the short sleeve version in a few months when it starts to get warmer.

I've been putting off a couple of jackets, cutting into my fabric from Italy, taking the Jeanious class that I bought about 8 months ago, finally sewing a button down shirt that fits me in the upper back AND the waist, etc, etc, etc. This challenge couldn't have come at a better time. Perhaps this should be the year of fearless sewing.

There's also a stash busting challenge that Cation Designs started. My fearless sewing should take a big chunk out of my stash, since the fabric is just sitting there waiting for me to get over myself and just do it already.

Love the blouse! Your sewing skills are impressive, too - that hem looks very professional :) (This is coming from a novice who is continuously impressed by things well done, since they're SO hard for me!)

I also have weak resolve when it comes to impractical blouses like these. "But, it's so pretty..." What are we going to do with ourselves?Your blouse really is pretty and thanks for informing me of this new challenge!

Hi there, I saw your blouse over on Pretty Grievances post, that she put me on as well, and I had to come over! I love this blouse, it's so pretty and delicate, despite it being done in animal print. Nice job!

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About Me

When choosing what you want to do in life, listen to the 14 year old you when it's screaming that you love to make things. Your 38 year old self will thank you. I love and have learned to love many other things: cats, exercising, brussel sprouts, gardening, and taking the bus to work (truthfully, I'm still working on that one).